King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:16 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:16 in the King James Version says “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:”

1 Corinthians 15:16 · KJV

Context

14

And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

15

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

16

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

17

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

18

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For if the dead rise not (εἰ γὰρ νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται)—Paul repeats his premise, driving home the logical connection. The verb egeirontai (ἐγείρονται, "are raised") is present passive, indicating ongoing divine action. Resurrection is God's action upon the dead, not self-generated resuscitation.

Then is not Christ raised (οὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται)—The perfect tense emphasizes Christ's resurrection as completed event with continuing results. Paul's logic is relentless: general resurrection and Christ's resurrection stand or fall together. Christ is not exception to natural law but inauguration of new creation. His resurrection is the "firstfruits" (v. 20)—if the firstfruits exist, the harvest follows. You can't have firstfruits without harvest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish apocalyptic theology anticipated general resurrection at the end of the age (Daniel 12:2, Isaiah 26:19). Early Christians' radical claim was that one man had been raised *within* history, ahead of the general resurrection—inaugurating the age to come while the present age continued. Christ's resurrection is 'already/not yet'—the future breaking into the present.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's resurrection being 'firstfruits' guarantee believers' resurrection?
  2. What does it mean that resurrection is God's action (passive voice), not human achievement?
  3. How does the 'already/not yet' tension of resurrection shape Christian life in the present?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
εἰ1 of 8

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 8

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

νεκροὶ3 of 8

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

οὐκ4 of 8

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐγήγερται·5 of 8

“is”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

οὐδὲ6 of 8

“then”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

Χριστὸς7 of 8

“not Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐγήγερται·8 of 8

“is”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 15:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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